2 hours ago
35
Arne Slot has said he sees Rio Ngumoha playing a significant role for Liverpool this season, despite the high-profile arrivals in the transfer window.
The Reds have committed to spending over £300 million, or above $400M, this summer, with Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike among the most significant attacking additions. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo still have prominent roles in the squad, and Federico Chiesa seemingly looks set to stay, meaning there is plenty of elite-level competition for Ngumoha this season.
More could arrive before Monday’s deadline day, with Slot facing questions about the prospect of pursuing Alexander Isak in the final days of the window. But despite that, Ngumoha, who made history when he netted the winner at Newcastle on Monday, is seen as an important part of Liverpool’s first-team plans.
"The whole press conference started with [questions about] spending of us and other clubs, and in the end a 16-year-old coming from the academy scores the winner, so that is the beauty of football," said Slot.
"We have spent a lot, sold a lot as well, still have room for him.
"Now there is room for him, and he can show his qualities, still room for him to show that as well in the upcoming game, he will be on the bench as well."
Whether Ngumoha, who made his Premier League debut on Monday and only celebrated his 17th birthday on Friday, is ready to start top-flight games is another question.
"It was a great goal for a 16-year-old," Slot told Sky Sports after Monday’s game. "Rio can finish so well for his age.
"I did hear someone say afterwards in the dressing room that he would have taken a first touch, but he is so confident.
"For his age, he is a really good finisher."
Meanwhile, asked about his attacking options on Friday ahead of the home match against Arsenal, Slot replied: "I think I said after Monday evening that again I could make a substitution that impacted the game, that’s what Federico did against Bournemouth and Rio did against Newcastle.
"As always, we try to sign players who can help us, but there is no reason after the first two games to complain or to think we need more.
"But if we can strengthen the squad we will always try to do that if it’s for the right money or the right player.
"And there are only three or four days to go now, so let's see if we do something."
English (US) ·